As well-known Christians announce a newfound loss of faith, other believers face increasing pressure or doubt. We feel let down, ashamed to question God's goodness, and in need of assurance of our faith and answers to our pain. From a leading voice on issues facing Christians today comes a frank and insightful discussion about whether it's okay to doubt God and what to do about it. Michael L. Brown answers the very toughest questions, such as · Why are people leaving the church? · Why haven't my prayers been answered? · Why do people have to experience pain? · What if there is no God? · And more These pages will lead anyone who has been hurt, anyone with questions that will not go away, into a wonderful, fresh, life-transforming encounter with the living God.

In 2006, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM) held an open forum at the Fox Theater in Atlanta to address the subject: "Has Christianity Failed You?" Tickets were sold for the event and--to the complete surprise of everyone--the event was sold out with a capacity crowd of over 5,000. People lined up offering to buy tickets from folks in line for higher prices. Before the event, an RZIM cameraman walked the streets and asked people if they had rejected the faith they held at one time. One answered that, because of a Christian's rejection of his gay lifestyle he had done just that. Another answered that she had left her faith because she had fallen into adultery and could never live it down in the church. Others had their own reasons. Some said it was just intellectually untenable in an age of reason. They chose to come to the event to judge if there were adequate answers. It is estimated that for every one person who writes a letter or attends an event, there are one thousand who agree. If the Atlanta crowd was any indication, the question is real and troubling. Why is it that many live with silent doubt, many leaving the "evangelical fold" for something else? Is there something wrong with the message, the communicator, the hearer . . . or is it all three? It's time to ask the hard questions of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ and why it seems as though God has made it so hard to continue believing. In fact, the son of a prominent US Senator phoned me with that very question. "Why has God made it so hard to believe in Him?" Such skepticism is not just representative of the hostile; it also represents many honest questioners. This book attempts to lay out the response to those within as well as those outside the Christian faith so as to understand what it is we believe and why it is so hard to do so. More to the point: Why it is actually so hard to deny God and still make sense out of life? In the end the answers should be both felt and real, with the added truth that God is nearer than you think. He desires that we sense Him very near to us and not distant. But closeness comes at a cost just as any relationship of love and commitment does.

Lynn McKenzie knows what it's like to face the many heartbreaking challenges life can throw our way. She knows, too, that there is One who wants to comfort and strengthen us. As you read Lynn's book, you, too, will discover that Love Never Fails You... Stephanie Nickel, freelance writer and editor Suffering in life is common to many people, creating heartbreak and despair. It is my desire that Love Never Fails You... will bring encouragement and hope to those who are hurting with life's trials and/or grief. Lynn McKenzie loves to sing a capella (without music) and is a first-time book author with the creation of Love Never Fails You... She enjoys writing a daily blog entry in Life with Lynnie. Lynn works as a realtor in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. She has had a varied employment history and has done volunteer work in an effort to help others, including teaching English as a Second Language (ESL). Lynn is a survivor of many life experiences, including divorce, injury, health concerns, family problems and issues, grief and more. During her lifetime, she has learned how to overcome and who to turn to in times of need, and is looking forward to supporting others as an inspirational speaker.

Pastor Gregg Matte writes, "God's will is not the needle in the haystack discovered only by 'Navy SEALs for Jesus'; it is actually the hay in the haystack to be found by every believer." This is great news for any Christian who has ever wondered about finding and living in the will of God. Through an extensive, intimate examination of God's encounter with Moses in the burning bush, Finding God's Will invites readers to shift their understanding of God's will from an event to be experienced to a process to live; God's will is what happens when we seek him. Readers will discover how to be on the lookout for their own burning bushes, how to focus on pleasing "Thee not they," and how to expect God's power as they seek his will. They may also be surprised to find that, as they seek a deeper relationship with God, his direction and guidance become clear. A life centered in God's will is a promise offered to every believer and every Christian can learn how to receive that gift.

Behind Prison Walls: Inmate Number 27773-016 is my expression and experience in prison. During my wilderness experience, I had to rely on God like never before. It was my breaking point; God was then able to speak to me where I wasn't able to run. I tried boxing with God, but I soon realized my arms where to short to box with God, so I begin to let go and let God.

The NIV Application Commentary helps you communicate and apply biblical text effectively in today's context. To bring the ancient messages of the Bible into today's world, each passage is treated in three sections: Original Meaning. Concise exegesis to help readers understand the original meaning of the biblical text in its historical, literary, and cultural context. Bridging Contexts. A bridge between the world of the Bible and the world of today, built by discerning what is timeless in the timely pages of the Bible. Contemporary Significance. This section identifies comparable situations to those faced in the Bible and explores relevant application of the biblical messages. The author alerts the readers of problems they may encounter when seeking to apply the passage and helps them think through the issues involved. This unique, award-winning commentary is the ideal resource for today's preachers, teachers, and serious students of the Bible, giving them the tools, ideas, and insights they need to communicate God's Word with the same powerful impact it had when it was first written.

Have you ever looked into the faces of the people who call you “mom” and wondered what in the world you got yourself into? If you’re like many Christian moms today, you’ve been reading the headlines and watching the rapid-fire changes in our culture with frustration and fear. Let’s face it: Moms today are facing questions that previous generations didn’t even see coming, and even our right to determine what is best for our own children is under fire. Popular speaker and blogger Heidi St. John (The Busy Mom) believes that today’s mothers need a special kind of strength. We need to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. We dare not rely on human strength for the battles we’re facing right now. In Becoming MomStrong, Heidi has a powerful message just for you—the mom in the midst of it all. Through encouragement, practical prayer points, and authentic “me-too” moments, Heidi equips you for a job that only you can do: to train your children to hear God’s voice and to walk in truth no matter where our culture is heading. God wants to use this generation of mothers to do something extraordinary: To be strong in the Lord To know who you are in Christ, and To impart that strength to your kids. In other words, He wants you to be MomStrong! So if you’re feeling tired or inadequate today, get ready to find new strength as you join Heidi St. John in Becoming MomStrong.

This edited collection explores how First Lady Michelle Obama gradually expanded and broadened her role by engaging in social, political and economic activities which directly and indirectly impacted the lives of the American people, especially young women and girls. The volume responds to the various representations of Michelle Obama and how the language and images used to depict her either affirmed, offended, represented or misrepresented her and its authors. It is an interdisciplinary evaluation by African American women and girls of the First Lady’s overall impact through several media, including original artwork and poetry. It also examines her political activities during and post-election 2016.